5 Days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari in Uganda Uganda
This 5-day chimpanzee and gorilla safari in Uganda is designed for travellers who want to combine two of the country’s most sought-after primate experiences in one well-paced trip. The safari takes you to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, giving you a rewarding short itinerary focused on Uganda’s best-known primates. This route is ideal for travellers who want a strong wildlife experience without committing to a much longer safari
Safari Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Scenic road transfer through western Uganda
- Lodge stay near both trekking areas
- Ideal short Uganda primate safari
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Transfer from Kampala or Kigali to Kibale Forest National Park
Today, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kigali or Kampala at 7:30 am and begin the journey to Kibale Forest National Park. If you’re departing from Kampala, you will drive through Mityana Road and continue to Fort Portal, where you will stop for lunch before proceeding to Kibale and arriving in the late afternoon. However, if you’re departing from Kigali, you will cross the border into Uganda. If you are using this route, it is advisable to obtain the East African Tourist Visa to make the journey easier. On arrival at the lodge, freshen up and later have dinner and overnight stay at Primate Lodge or Crater Safari Lodge [luxury], Chimps Nest [mid-range], or Rwenzori View Guesthouse [budget].
Day 2, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Bigodi Wetland Walk
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a short briefing on the trekking rules before heading into the forest near Kanyanchu for chimpanzee trekking. The experience can take 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees. Other primates that may be seen include baboons, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and pottos. Kibale is also known for its birdlife, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, and rich vegetation.
Return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, go for a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an excellent site for birding and butterfly watching. Birds that may be seen include the Abyssinian ground thrush, Great Blue Turaco, crowned eagle, black-capped apalis, Papyrus Gonolek, and African pitta, among many others. Later, return for dinner and overnight stay at Primate Lodge or Crater Safari Lodge [luxury], Chimps Nest [mid-range], or Rwenzori View Guesthouse [budget].
Day 3, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Batwa community visit
Enjoy an early breakfast and then set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the mountain gorillas. On arrival, check in at the lodge and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, go for a cultural visit to the Batwa community, where you will learn more about their traditions, music, dance, and way of life. You may also see local crafts, learn how medicinal plants are used, and discover how bananas are used to make juice, local beer, and gin. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at Gorilla Safari Lodge or Buhoma Lodge [luxury], Nkuringo Gorilla Camp [mid-range], or Nshongi Gorilla Resort [budget].
Day 4, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Early in the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters with packed lunch for a briefing before the trek. After the briefing, continue to the starting point and begin gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The trek may take 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. Once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them while observing their behaviour, watching family interactions, and taking photographs. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Gorilla Safari Lodge or Buhoma Lodge [luxury], Nkuringo Gorilla Camp [mid-range], or Nshongi Gorilla Resort [budget].
Day 5, Return to Kampala or Kigali
Enjoy breakfast in the morning, then begin the journey back to Kampala or Kigali, depending on your travel plan. Travellers returning to Kampala may stop in Mbarara for lunch before continuing to the city. Travellers exiting through Kigali should follow the agreed return route with your guide. This marks the end of your 5-day chimpanzee and gorilla safari
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Private transport in a safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Bottled drinking water during road transfers
Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary